That would be on the hockey operations side of things inside the NHL. Steve Ovadia thinks so:
An experienced NHL person would know something is strange about this situation. Bettman just doesn't see it.He's a businessman (supposedly).
Let him handle the business side of things. But he really needs someone to pitch in and take over the hockey side of things. Otherwise we're going to be watching NHL games on UHF stations at 3 in the morning. And guess what? The score will be 0-0.
This is an important point, and one we shouldn't ignore. Indeed, when the dust finally settles, Bettman's course in forcing the lockout may prove to be the correct one (though I have my doubts). But there shouldn't be any doubt that the stewardship of the game itself, and the entertainment value of the product on the ice, has suffered over the last ten years.
He needs some help there. And a real leader shouldn't be afraid to ask for it either.
One thing Steve remembers that so many forget is Bettman’s job is to get a cap. That is what the owners want, and as much as Bettman is in charge, he still needs to abide by the owner’s will.
First and foremost he needs to get that cap, and then get hockey going again, with some changes then. You can’t fix what doesn’t exist right now.
I hereby nominate Wayne Gretzky for Asst. Commr. for Hockey Ops!
If Bettman couldn’t recognize Chicken Parm standing right in front of him, he DOES need help.